Publication Date: January 10, 2025
“I AM JAYVYN” is a compelling work of historical fiction positioned to remind readers of the key role the enslaved played in the development of America, and the systemic racism that still plagues the nation today.
1710-On a beautiful morning full of hope and promise, twelve-year-old Javyn’s world is suddenly shattered when slavers raid his peaceful village. His father is killed, he is separated from his mother and little sister, and his home is left in flames.
In a whirlwind of change, Jayvyn survives the horrors of the middle passage alone, landing in Barbados, where he endures two years of ‘seasoning’ on a sugar plantation. His adolescent development progresses under the tutelage of a fellow enslaved African named Andrew in desperate circumstances he could never have imagined.
In time, Jayvyn is transported to South Carolina, where he is auctioned off to the owner of a growing rice plantation. He lives his life amongst a diverse cast of fellow enslaved in a world where love, hate, and cruelty coexist.
Families form and are separated at the whim of masters who see the enslaved as nothing more than chattel property.
Colonial history unfolds while this resilient community of enslaved Africans adapt to an ever-changing world of oppression and subjugation.
Over the course of his life, Jayvyn gains a healthy perspective on the virtues and flaws of humanity-even transcending the high threshold of forgiveness-leaving readers with abundant food for thought.
His is a tale of pain and suffering, but also one of true faith and deliverance, told through the clear lens of history.
Author’s note: “I AM JAYVYN” was written to rebuke the new Florida standards of education, imposed under Gov. Ron DeSantis’s ill conceived “Stop Woke” act, which change and omit the facts of history and ban any mention of critical race theory whatsoever. The purpose is to present a ‘more balanced’ history where the enslaved benefited from enslavement and were complicit in acts of violence directed against them.
It is simply false and an affront to the African American population or any who suffered from human trafficking or enslavement. Further, it is a disservice to students who have the right to learn the truth about history. As was famously written by George Santayana in 1905- “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
REVIEWER’S CHOICE!
Through the eyes of a 12-year-old African boy, the horrors of being ripped from his family, branded, and loaded onto a ship unfold in excruciating detail.
Author Peter D. Brown tackles the slave trade of the 18th century in I AM JAYVYN, drawing upon historical research to add authenticity to a fictional character who could have been any slave during this time period.
With each new layer, from being herded like cattle and enduring dehumanizing conditions to being sent to Barbados and then South Carolina, the world Jayvyn dreamed of turns into misery and suffering.
However, there’s something deep inside this character that makes him different. In spite of the scars on his body and the emotional wounds he carries, he opts to do something quite unexpected.
While this is a challenging story to read because of the subject matter, that shouldn’t stop readers from getting to know Jayvyn. A deeper understanding of the past leads to a more productive future.
I AM JAYVYN delivers a raw, gritty account of a young enslaved boy determined to maintain his identity.
Peter D. Brown is a Maine-based author of historical fiction with a deep interest in social justice and a passion for preserving history. His writing relies on a deep commitment to historical accuracy while aiming to illuminate stories of the oppressed or misunderstood. Presented alongside proclivities typical of the human condition, he challenges his readers to confront uncomfortable truths and engage with the complexities of the human experience. Retired now from formal enterprise, Peter lives in a quiet, pastoral township in Maine with his loving wife and two dogs, where he enjoys ample quietude and peace to gain inspiration, sort out his thoughts, and bring them to life. Through his work, Peter hopes to promote thoughtful conversations about the enduring impact of history on contemporary society.
Amy, I’m so glad you found Jayvyn’s story to be both engaging and meaningful–for all the right reasons–and thank you for the 5 star rating and awarding it with Reviewer’s Choice. I’m truly honored. But most importantly, those who suffered the terrible cruelties of slavery while contributing so much to the successful founding of America are honored as well.
The tragedy that was the transatlantic slave trade can never be changed, rewritten, or forgotten for any reason. It must be understood and remembered for what it was if we ever hope to move beyond racism and live as the equal human beings we are.
While history, books, and education have been coming under increasing attack lately, I hope my book will reach enough people to help reverse that trend and keep us moving on a path to higher ground.
Thanks again for your review and help getting the word out. – Peter